Vatican City
The smallest country in the world offers the heart of Catholicism and among the
world's finest art collections, including the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael
Rooms (ceiling pictured). Go to Vatican City!

Austria
Belvedere Palace (pictured) is just one of many palaces found in Vienna. The capital
is a good start to Austria, which also features the Alps, the Lakes District, and
incredible history & food. Go Now!

Latvia
Latvia is small, but has a diverse history, foods, and architecture (shown), which
includes aspects from both Eastern and Western Europe. Begin Your
Journey!

Food, Dining, & Drinks in Switzerland

Culinary Influences

Cheese and wine

Switzerland has been given more than great landscapes;
they have also been given neighbors that know how to make incredible food. Switzerland
is primarily made up of ethnic French, Italians,
and Germans and each of these groups has maintained their
traditional foods, while creating some uniquely Swiss foods.

However, Switzerland was created by these people so
first and foremost they view each other as their fellow countrymen and women before
they identify with their ethnic neighbors. Because of this, all foods can be found
in every part of the country and the people have created some local dishes, such
as cervelat, a popular sausage, and fondue.

As a world center for many organizations, Switzerland
has more recently been called home to visiting and settling foreigners who have
brought with them more international cuisine. In all major cities, there are now
various ethnic foods and a growing number of quick service food chains.

There are no true staple foods in Switzerland due to
the country's variety of food. In the Italian part of
the country rice and pasta comes close to being a staple. In the
German cantons the closest food to being a staple is meat or potatoes, but
there are still vegetarian options, while the French cantons
claim bread as their closest staple.

Regional Variations & Specialties

Regional Variations in Switzerland are too numerous
to count. Due to the ethnic division between the Italians,
French, and Germans among others,
the people have differing tastes in foods and every canton has its own specialties
and preferences as varied as the differences between Germany and Italy themselves.
However there are a couple dishes which are known as uniquely "Swiss"
and that have become popular throughout the country.

Chocolate: it's tough to make a bad chocolate decision in Switzerland, who can rightfully claim their position
as a world leader on the foodFondue: melted cheese eaten after dipping bread, potatoes or other
foods into the melted goodnessRaclette: hot cheese dribbled over potatoes; often served with
pickled fruits

However, there are a few rules that should be followed with any of these companions.
You should bring a gift such as chocolates or a local wine, but be careful to get
a local wine. Plus, alcohol is commonly served with meals so be prepared to drink.
The final commonality among all ethnicities in Switzerland
is that these groups tend to be more formal in dining, from dress to manners so
dress nicely and use high standard table manners.

Unfortunately, nearly everything else differs, from when to arrive and the food
to what kind of alcohol will most likely be served so continue on to the
German Food page, French Food
page, and the Italian Food page.

Most restaurants and bars include a service charge in your bill, but if not, about
10-15% is standard in regards to tipping. When tipping at a restaurant though, never
leave the money on the table, instead give the money to the server and tell them
how much you want to pay (bill and tip included).

Drinks

Switzerland has a heavy bias towards milk products and
this holds true with rivella, a carbonated milk-based drink. They are also
well-known for their apple juices, which can be served in a number of ways and prepared
both with or without alcohol. Of course if you're looking for more familiar
drinks, milk, coffee, tea, and juices are all widely available.

As a crossroads of German, Italian,
and French cultures, Switzerland
boasts both great wines and beers; some locally produced, others imports from these
neighbors. If you don't want these local products, international beers, wines,
and hard liquors are all widely available.

Generally speaking, the tap water is safe to drink in Switzerland,
but check with locals for any particular regional differences. Also, many people
may have troubles adjusting to the local tap water, as it will most certainly be
different from what your system is used to.